Dir Communications

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Communications oversees a broad range of business and marketing communications, including external public relations, media relations, issues management, and crisis response, with the goal of improving consumer reputation. The role advises senior leadership and acts as a strategic partner on communications strategies and best practices. It develops proactive communications plans and crisis-response preparedness, manages critical business issues and brand risks, and advances the company’s narrative and reputation among media and other key audiences. The position also supports consistent, engaging communications across internal and external channels and contributes to employee engagement and brand development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, plus at least 10 years of public relations experience, including supervisory and comprehensive marketing experience; OR an associate degree plus at least 12 years of such experience; OR a high school diploma/GED plus at least 14 years of such experience.
Leadership acumen.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to write in a journalistic style customary for corporate and external publications.
Ability to provide sound media relations advice to senior leadership.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with corporate management, employees, media representatives, and the broader community.
Ability to coordinate teams to present a cohesive and consistent message.
Must be within commuting distance of the assigned Jackson, Michigan office or willing to relocate.
Must not require current or future immigration sponsorship; applicants requiring CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT are not eligible.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and adhere to the communications budget.
Develop, compose, distribute, and implement policies that improve Communications Department efficiency and support a positive corporate brand.
Track and monitor communications effectiveness to support continual process improvement.
Consult internal subject matter experts and external stakeholders to determine appropriate communications for each situation.
Formulate communications positions and strategies.
Drive brand consistency across messaging, tone, creative assets, and storytelling.
Assist senior leaders with presentations, speeches, and other corporate messages.
Advise Finance and Accounting on graphics, clarity, distribution, and press releases for the corporation’s annual report.
Partner with the People & Culture team to align internal and external communications and foster employee engagement.
Deliver engaging, purposeful content in multiple formats and across multiple channels.
Develop and manage a communications and social media calendar and ensure timely execution.
Advise senior leadership and help leaders and their teams advance the company’s narrative and reputation.
Act as a strategic partner to the leadership team on communications strategy and best practices.
Develop a crisis-response communications preparedness plan.
Manage critical business issues, mitigate risks, and provide guidance to protect the brand.
Develop a proactive communications strategy that builds and maintains a positive corporate brand and advances key narratives among media and other audiences.